Officials from American Fire Company of Lansford and the Coaldale Fire Department attended Wednesday’s Lansford Borough Council meeting to ask council to approve the feasibility study on merging companies.

Coaldale Borough approved the request at its meeting on Tuesday.

While a merger of the two fire companies is a goal, that will not happen for quite some time.

“It’s a study for the state (State Fire Commissioner’s Office) to come in and tell us things that we can do to improve our functionality as a fire department and give us some pointers on what we can do to improve the fire protection of both municipalities,” said American Fire Co. Fire Chief Zach Gilbert.

“We’re not talking about combining (fire companies) right now. This is just for the state to come and give us some guidance.”

Gilbert advised council that there is no cost to do the study, and there is no time frame when the study would begin and how long it will take.

“It could take a year, it could take 15 years. It really depends on the state,” Gilbert said.

“I think the way it’s going, that we’re not getting enough volunteers, I think the sooner, the better,” Councilman William Chuma added.

“From now until this study takes place, which could take a couple of years, is there anything we can sit down and go over with you to try to help you out a little bit?” asked Lansford Council President Bruce Markovich.

“Yes,” Gilbert replied. “We can look at a bunch of different options at what we can do from now until we get to the point where we have better funding. I’m sure we can sit down and figure a game plan.”

In addition to Gilbert, Coaldale Fire Chief Steven Polischak attended the meeting, along with other members of both fire departments.

Lansford Borough Council Vice President John Turcmanovich made a motion, seconded by Chuma, to approve the feasibility study. The vote was unanimous.